The master bedroom design is rich in lavish fabrics and accoutrements.

17

36

Bathrooms have been modernized throughout the house.

18

36

One of numerous sitting areas in Groveland.

19

36

Stairway leads to the second and third floors.

20

36

The third level TV room.

21

36

Guest bedrooms are on the second floor.

22

36

Another view of the guest bedroom.

23

36

A third guest bedroom.

24

36

Guest bath

25

36

A cozy bar opens to the outdoors.

26

36

The Sam Douglass bar features a custom humidor.

27

36

Terrazzo floors are featured in several areas of the house,

28

36

Another bar in the 1936 home.

29

36

The outdoor kitchen presents another entertaining venue.

30

36

The couple added the 'Raffles' house between the main house and the garage/guest house.

31

36

Gardens surround the River Oaks home.

32

36

The Raffles salon named after the storied colonial hotel in Singapore.

33

36

The gardens were originally designed by Bayou Bend era landscape architect

34

36

One of several pool located in separate gardens.

35

36

The majestic oak trees are considered among some of the oldest in the area.

36

36

The Groveland guest house and garage.

It is a rare occurrence when a landmark home designed by revered Houston architect Birdsall P. Briscoe comes on the market and even more rare when one that has been meticulously restored to its 1936 eminence becomes available. Thus, those with immaculate good taste, a penchant for historic design and deep pocketbooks are turning their attention to 3229 Groveland Lane in River Oaks.

Refurbished by Paula and Sam Douglass in a three-year effort of love and respect for the original concept, the 7,100 square foot brick Georgian Regency is today on the market for $14.8 million.

Aside from the luxurious appointments and exquisite decorating, the home enjoys a historic significance that will be highlighted in architectural historian Stephen Fox’s book, The Architecture of Birdsall P. Briscoe, with publication anticipated in 2019.

“The Groveland Lane house by architect Birdsall Briscoe combines stately formal dignity with subtle architectural details that animate the exterior of the house and generously proportioned interior spaces that exude grandeur and welcome,” Fox writes.

Groveland Lane is a sprawling estate.

The house includes four bedrooms, five full baths, two half baths, five working fireplaces and a third floor billiards room. Between the main house and the original carriage guest house, the couple added “Raffles Bar,” named in homage to the storied colonial hotel in Singapore. The relationship is evident in the mahogany French bar, mahogany millwork and brass chandeliers.

PC Picks

Swipe

In 2012, the property won the Greater Houston Preservation Alliance Good Brick Award thanks not only to the beautiful restoration but also to the aesthetic improvements made by the owners that included relocating air conditioning units to the rear of the garage; burying miles of electrical, plumbing and gas lines underground; and faithfully following the original landscape plans.

More than an acre in size, the lot features massive oak trees, said to be among the oldest in the city, as well as five defined gardens including the Koi Garden.